afety Information Important Safety Information! Please read carefully before operating! • This manual contains important operating and safety information. In order to benefit from the use of this apparatus, you must carefully read and understand the contents of this manual prior to use of this apparatus.
able of Contents Safety Information …………………………………………..…….…. Section 1 General Information………………………………………. 2 Introduction ………………………………………….…….……… 2 Unpacking and Checking Your Order …….………....2 Section 2 Using the System …………………………………….… 5 Setting Up …………………….…………………..….......… Gel Casting ……………………..……...….……....…….... Operating ..................Section 3 Technical Tips …………………………………………..…...
Before starting, unpack the unit and inventory your order. If any parts are missing, refer to the warranty section on the back cover of this manual and contact Owl immediately at 800-242-5560. Reference the order or catalog number on your invoice and check the...
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eneral Information SECTION 1 Figure 1-1 Parts Diagram SGC-1, SGC-2 Adjustable casting platform knobs for width adjustment (attached) Binder clamps...
• Matching spacer set and comb for each gel to be cast. • Binder clamps - 9 per gel cassette. Owl catalog # CL-12. • Rain-X or Sigmacote (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO) • Ethanol for washing plates, combs and spacers.
sing the System SECTION 2 Gel Casting Basic laboratory safety procedures should be followed when preparing sequencing gels. When working with acrylamide solutions always wear proper protective clothing, gloves and eye protection. Careful attention must be given during each step of sequencing gel preparation for consistent results.
sing the System SECTION 2 Operating 1. The caster consists of two adjustable ends and two side pieces with a cut out railing. The railing is open at one end so that long glass can slide past the length of the caster.
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sing the System SECTION 2 5. Slowly pour gel solution onto the bottom plate at the point where the two plates overlap. The acrylamide will flow into the space between the two plates by capillary action. Gently slide the top plate across the bottom plate while pouring gel solu- tion along the leading edge of the glass.
echnical Tips SECTION 3 The difference between a well comb and a sharktooth comb: A well comb has rectangular teeth and is simi- lar to combs used for protein gels. After polymerization, these combs must be removed carefully to avoid destroying the acrylamide walls that create the wells.
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echnical Tips SECTION 3 The difference between notched and offset glass: Notched or eared glass plates face in towards the upper buffer chamber during a gel run. The “ears” are glass tabs on each side of the plate, which prevent buffer from running out of the upper buffer chamber.
Solution Be sure the caster is set up on a level surface. Leveling platforms are available from Owl, catalog # B-LP. If gel will not stay between the plates at the bottom of the cassette, this may be caused by bowed plates. Try another set of glass or flip the top piece so that the other side is facing the gel solution.
Organic solvents cause acrylic to “craze” or crack. Clean all Owl acrylic systems with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use ethanol or other organic solvents to clean Owl products. Do not autoclave, bake, or microwave your unit.
This list does not include all possible chemical incompatibilities and safe compounds. Owl’s acrylic products should be cleaned with warm water, a mild detergent such as Alconox™, and can also be exposed to a mild bleach solution (10:1). In addition, RNAse removal products are also safe for acrylic.
Equipment SECTION 6 Contact the customer service department at Owl to order replacement parts 800-242-5560. Optional Accessories Catalog No. Binder Clamps (pkg of 12) CL-12 Stainless Steel Clamps (pkg of 12) CL-12S Glass Plate Dimensions Type Catalog No. 20cmW x 45cmL x 3/16"T...
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Should you find that your order is incorrect or damaged, verify the problem with the shipper, save all packing mate- rial, and call Owl for return instructions within 48 hours. All returns, exchanges, and credits must be pre-approved by Owl.
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